2026 Formula One: team-by-team guide to cars and drivers

McLaren

Car MCL40 – Engine Mercedes – Team boss Andrea Stella – First race Monaco 1966 – 994 Grand Prix starts – 10 constructors’ championships – Finished 2023 in first place. The outfit kept its composure to clinch both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles last year, although the drivers’ battle went right down to the final lap as the team tried to keep the two pilots on an even footing. This season they start a little further back, but with a development‑intensive year ahead they are likely to draw on their considerable assets to get the car up to speed quickly and re‑enter the front‑running group without delay.

Drivers

Lando Norris (GB, 26) – Car No 1 – Debut Australia 2019 – 11 wins – 16 poles – 1 championship – 2023 result first. After securing his maiden title last year, Norris reports a level of self‑belief never felt before. He has spoken about the need to validate his championship win and, having done so after a hard‑fought campaign, he returns motivated, eager to defend the crown and ready to press McLaren for the resources required.

Oscar Piastri (Aus, 24) – Car No 81 – Debut Bahrain 2023 – 9 wins – 6 poles – No titles – Best season finish third – 2023 result third. A disappointing end to a season in which he had led for much of the year saw a string of low finishes cost him the title fight in the final third. He continues to gather experience, admits the setback taught him valuable lessons and is determined to come back stronger; his steady improvement each year suggests he will remain a contender.

Mercedes

Car W17 – Engine Mercedes – Team boss Toto Wolff – First race France 1954 – 329 Grand Prix starts – 8 championships – 2023 result second. The squad struggled during the previous ground‑effect period but now approach the new rule set as early favourites. The machine is fast, well‑balanced and, crucially, delivers exactly what the power unit promises. Should they possess a genuine edge in Melbourne, they are likely to exploit it decisively, with two drivers fully capable of doing so. In their current form they appear the team to beat.

Drivers

George Russell (GB, 28) – Car No 63 – Debut Australia 2019 – 5 wins – 7 poles – No titles – Best season finish fourth – 2023 result fourth. A seasoned and proven victor, Russell is expected to maximise the advantage of a strong chassis and lead from the start. He aims to match the pace of Norris and Max Verstappen and, given the chance, possesses the composure and judgement to fulfil his potential. Unsurprisingly he is the bookmakers’ favourite.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli (It, 19) – Car No 12 – Debut Australia 2025 – Best race finish second – No poles – Best qualifying second – Best season finish seventh – 2023 result seventh. Highly regarded, the teenager displayed moments of brilliance last year but also the mistakes typical of a rookie. If he can tighten his control and benefit from a competitive car, he can repay the team’s confidence and will not shy away from challenging Russell should a championship be at stake.